Thursday, December 30, 2004

At a Loss

Unlike any end-of-the-world disaster movie, this earthquake, these tidal waves, were real. It's astounding to imagine the devastation in 5 different countries, hundreds of thousands of family and friends facing uncertainty and loss. To think of a population like St. John's, Newfoundland, swept away on Christmas Day...

Even in small town Arkona, people know people in Thailand. It's sad that it is tragedy and disaster that pulls people together. When things are fine and good and sunny, we very easily splinter and separate over minor differences.

That, I suppose, is human folly. Yet we tap into something greater beyond ourselves when we respond to need with kindness and compassion. That too, is part of human nature: frustration and hope travel hand in hand. Nothing profound here, just grieving great loss.

No comments: